University of Law and American Bar Association hold first ‘International Legal Education Summit’

30 September 2013

Law educators and senior legal professionals from across the globe will converge at The University of Law (ULaw) to discuss the latest trends in international legal education and practice.

The American Bar Association (ABA), in conjunction with ULaw, is holding an ‘International Legal Education Summit’ at the University’s London Moorgate centre on Saturday, October 19.

This new event takes place straight after the Fall Meeting of the ABA Section of International Law, one of the world’s most important gatherings of international lawyers, which this year convenes in London from October 15 – 18. Speakers at the International Legal Education Summit include Maura McGowan QC, Chairman of the Bar Council of England and Wales; Mark Ellis, Executive Director of the International Bar Association (IBA); Jonathan Goldsmith, Secretary General, Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe: Professor Nigel Savage, President of The University of Law and Professor Timothy Endicott, Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Oxford.

Along with law professors, practising lawyers and legal industry regulators from around the world, delegates will include law students with an interest in practising on an international platform.Subjects up for debate range from the changing international legal profession, looking at the countless factors impacting the practice of law worldwide, and the future of international legal education, examining how it can meet the challenges in the profession.Law students will benefit from sessions on ABA International’s signature programme ‘Pathways to Employment in International Law’ and on ways that lawyers can develop their credentials for greater professional success in the early stages of their international careers.

“This International Legal Education Summit grew out of the remarkable transatlantic interest in addressing the challenges of legal training and practice,” said Dr Isabella Bunn, council member of the ABA Section of International Law and one of the co-chairs of the Fall Meeting. “When our leadership team began exploring programme options for London, The University of Law took the initiative in offering the venue, logistical support, and substantive expertise to make this special event possible.”The University of Law has long recognised the need for law schools to respond to increasing demand from law firms for lawyers with international specialisms. In 2007 ULaw, in conjunction with the IBA, set up an LL.M in International Legal Practice, which was designed with contributions from leading global law firms, including Allen & Overy, DLA Piper and Baker & McKenzie.This year it launches a unique internationally-focussed LL.M Legal Practice Course (LL.M LPC), which awards students with a Master of Laws as well as an LPC qualification. From 2014 it will offer two- and three-year undergraduate degrees in international legal practice.

Professor Nigel Savage, President of ULaw, said: “The practice of commercial law is increasingly a global affair. Modern lawyers require the knowledge and skills to operate in an international setting and need a high level of understanding about multiple legal jurisdictions. It is therefore essential that law students are equipped with an overview of global legal practice that will give them an edge in their future careers. This summit will allow law educators and practitioners from across the world to come together and discuss the best ways of achieving this.”

Further information:

Lucy Wray, Public Relations Manager, The University of Law on 01483 216072